Four-Pole-Double-Throw Relay Adder


Now for something more complicated.

Let's imagine, our relays have more switches, and we would
like to use only two Four-Pole-Double-Throw relays instead
of four Two-Pole-Double-Throw relays.

First, we take a look at our three_input XOR gate.
It's kind of obvious, that we are unable to build
a three_input logic gate by using only two relays,
isn't it ?

Nevertheless, there is a trick:

If we happen to have one of the three input signals
in "inverted" and "non inverted" version, it's possible.

In other words, we now use an "inverted"
and a "non inverted" carry signal.


For the high active (non inverted) carry signal, it's simple:
If A = 1 and B = 1 (AND) C_OUT is 1
(tied to supply voltage, that is).

IF A <> B (XOR), C_IN is routed towards C_OUT.

Note the cute trick, how to save one of the switches...


Now for the low active (inverted) carry.

IF A <> B (XOR), /C_IN is routed towards /C_OUT,
we already know this game.

If A = 0 and B = 0 (NOR), /C_OUT is set to inactive,
what means logic 1.

Again, we could save a switch there...
Noticed, that one contact of the switch that ties
the output to 1 is free ?


Now to clobber the whole thing together:

Oops, looks like we have saved another switch.


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(c) Dieter Mueller 2008